Can someone explain to me...

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Why Nebraska has had to play Ohio State so many times? We are slated to play them this year again, of course, but also in 2020 and 2021. That makes 8 times in 11 years?? Who decides these crossover games? How many times has Northwestern had to play OSU in that same span? Iowa? Wisky?

I really hate these mega conferences with divisions. Because there is no way that the crossover games are distributed equitably. Conferences, it seems to me, have an eye on money and thus want to push games between "big name" teams.

I wish we were in a smaller conference where you played every damn team in your conference every year. Only then do you have a true champion.

 

[huskerfan1414]

Yeah the big ten has screwed the pooch here. We dont play michigan it seems.
At least they match us with somebody good.
But their scheduling sucks, not just for us.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

I don't think I even knew Indiana was still in the conference.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Exactly. There are seven teams in the other division. We should play them in crossover games according to a regular rotating schedule so that we play each team the same amount of time over two or three years.

 

[bshirt73]

Why Nebraska has had to play Ohio State so many times? We are slated to play them this year again, of course, but also in 2020 and 2021. That makes 8 times in 11 years?? Who decides these crossover games? How many times has Northwestern had to play OSU in that same span? Iowa? Wisky?

I really hate these mega conferences with divisions. Because there is no way that the crossover games are distributed equitably. Conferences, it seems to me, have an eye on money and thus want to push games between "big name" teams.

I wish we were in a smaller conference where you played every damn team in your conference every year. Only then do you have a true champion.

Yes, just another reason why the Big8 was so great! However, the upside is that the Big10 is still way, wayyyyyy better than the BigXII.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Yes, just another reason why the Big8 was so great! However, the upside is that the Big10 is still way, wayyyyyy better than the BigXII.

Agreed. I am glad we are not in the Big 12.

 

[Ewooc]

I don't think I even knew Indiana was still in the conference.

This year will be our 2nd time playing them since joining the conf. Iowa I believe has had them 5 times

 

[Cornicator]

Its for television and exposure. The only reason it seems unfair is because Nebraska hasnt really lived up to its end of the bargain.

The league is attempting give its highest profile teams extra exposure.

But the unintended consequence may result in a team like Minnesota winning the division without ever beating a winning team.

 

[huskerfan1414]

Its for television and exposure. The only reason it seems unfair is because Nebraska hasnt really lived up to its end of the bargain.

The league is attempting give its highest profile teams extra exposure.

But the unintended consequence may result in a team like Minnesota winning the division without ever beating a winning team.

That doesnt explain our lack of Michigan games.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Its for television and exposure. The only reason it seems unfair is because Nebraska hasnt really lived up to its end of the bargain.

The league is attempting give its highest profile teams extra exposure.

But the unintended consequence may result in a team like Minnesota winning the division without ever beating a winning team.

I understand that. But I don't like it because it is inherently unfair and produces the very scenario you describe where an undeserving team wins the division. I understand there is no perfect way to prevent that from happening from time to time since there is no way to predict how every team is going to be four years from now. But come on.... playing OSU 8 out of 11 years is just patently unfair.

 

[Cornicator]

That doesnt explain our lack of Michigan games.

Yes it does when you look at the matchups between Michigan and Wisconsin.

Nebraska is crossing over with Ohio State.
Wisconsin with Michigan.
Iowa with Penn State.

This is problematic because NW and Minnesota can often miss them both.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Yes it does when you look at the matchups between Michigan and Wisconsin.

Nebraska is crossing over with Ohio State.
Wisconsin with Michigan.
Iowa with Penn State.

This is problematic because NW and Minnesota can often miss them both.

It is also problematic because OSU is, in almost every year, better than Michigan and PSU

 

[phoenix4nu]

Agreed. I am glad we are not in the Big 12.

Would you say that under oath? Lol.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Would you say that under oath? Lol.

Yep.

 

[Headcard]

TV $$

 

[Gravitron]

I have looked into this before.

In 2011, when Nebraska first joined the BIG, it became the 12th member and the Legends and Leaders divisions were formed. We started with Ohio State as the cross over match up (I believe based on historical performance and to try and prevent any dominance by a new member). We played OSU in 2011 and 2012, but missed them in 2013.

With the additions of Rutgers and Maryland and due to fan consensus, Legends and Leaders was scrapped beginning with the 2014 season when the East and West divisions were formed. At that time, the Purdue v Indiana matchup was preserved as a protected crossover. In 2014 and 2015, Michigan State was our protected crossover. But, I think this was just part of a rotational system or the BIG changes tax mind with the 2016 system. In 2016, OSU became our protected crossover, MI and Wiscy, Iowa and PSU, etc. became the new crossovers. That stays in place from 2016 all the way through 2021. In 2022, MI becomes our protected crossover and stays that way for as long as the BIG has announced future schedules (through 2025).

The short answer is that the BIG identified Nebraska (over Wiscy or Iowa) as the most dominant program in the BIG on our side of the ledger and matched us up against OSU as the most dominant on their side. I think this was done for ratings for TV and to limit our success as a new member of the BIG.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

I have looked into this before.

In 2011, when Nebraska first joined the BIG, it became the 12th member and the Legends and Leaders divisions were formed. We started with Ohio State as the cross over match up (I believe based on historical performance and to try and prevent any dominance by a new member). We played OSU in 2011 and 2012, but missed them in 2013.

With the additions of Rutgers and Maryland and due to fan consensus, Legends and Leaders was scrapped beginning with the 2014 season when the East and West divisions were formed. At that time, the Purdue v Indiana matchup was preserved as a protected crossover. In 2014 and 2015, Michigan State was our protected crossover. But, I think this was just part of a rotational system or the BIG changes tax mind with the 2016 system. In 2016, OSU became our protected crossover, MI and Wiscy, Iowa and PSU, etc. became the new crossovers. That stays in place from 2016 all the way through 2021. In 2022, MI becomes our protected crossover and stays that way for as long as the BIG has announced future schedules (through 2025).

The short answer is that the BIG identified Nebraska (over Wiscy or Iowa) as the most dominant program in the BIG on our side of the ledger and matched us up against OSU as the most dominant on their side. I think this was done for ratings for TV and to limit our success as a new member of the BIG.

Thanks for this analysis. You and Cornicator have nailed it I think.
But I still don't like it. I don't like the whole "protected crossover" nonsense. It should be a round robin schedule of crossovers that attempts, as far as possible, to create equity in scheduling.
Just my humble opinion

 

[dinglefritz]

I understand that. But I don't like it because it is inherently unfair and produces the very scenario you describe where an undeserving team wins the division. I understand there is no perfect way to prevent that from happening from time to time since there is no way to predict how every team is going to be four years from now. But come on.... playing OSU 8 out of 11 years is just patently unfair.

IF you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. In the Big 8, we always had to beat OU. In the Big 12, it was the south winner which was normally Texas during that era. Now like in the Big 12. The difference that conceivably we could win our division then have to play OSU again in the championship game which is sort of like what happened to us that time that we drew OU in the bowl game.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

IF you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. In the Big 8, we always had to beat OU. In the Big 12, it was the south winner which was normally Texas during that era. Now like in the Big 12. The difference that conceivably we could win our division then have to play OSU again in the championship game which is sort of like what happened to us that time that we drew OU in the bowl game.

Yes we had to beat OU to win the Big 8. The difference is that every other team in the Big 8 had to as well. And as for the Big 12... I think there was a more equitable distribution of crossover games than in the Big.

 

[huskerfan1414]

Is there actually a protected cross over or is this just opinion?

Because if I remember right, when we first entered wasn't Penn State our crossover? Then when we added teams those got thrown 8n the gutter?
I don't remember anything from the Big 10 regarding Ohio State being our crossover.

It isnt that hard to have Michigan on the schedule more often, even if they are playing wisconsin

 

[Lincoln100]

I couldn’t care less. I want to play in big games. I’m just pissed that slurb is gone because I really really wanted to beat that POS

 

[Ewooc]

I understand that. But I don't like it because it is inherently unfair and produces the very scenario you describe where an undeserving team wins the division. I understand there is no perfect way to prevent that from happening from time to time since there is no way to predict how every team is going to be four years from now. But come on.... playing OSU 8 out of 11 years is just patently unfair.

I haven't looked at it but Im going to make the assumption that we have played Ohio St more than any other west team.
Edit: I decided to look. Here is the the break down on how many times each west team has played Ohio St since 2011

Iowa-2
MN- 3
NW-3
Purdue-4
Nebraska-5
Wisc -6
Illinois-6
Remember Wisc and Illinois were in Ohio St division for 2011 2012 and 2013. So take away those 3 games and we have played them the most

 

[morninghusker]

Yes we had to beat OU to win the Big 8. The difference is that every other team in the Big 8 had to as well. And as for the Big 12... I think there was a more equitable distribution of crossover games than in the Big.

How about we just become a good enough program to beat Ohio state 50% of the time and create a rivalry all of America will look forward to watching? Then on years we don't play them people will be complaining.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Is it really that hard to play the 6 teams in your division and then rotate the other 3 games each year?

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

I haven't looked at it but Im going to make the assumption that we have played Ohio St more than any other west team.

I am sure you are correct. But that makes sense if they are or have been a protected crossover

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Is it really that hard to play the 6 teams in your division and then rotate the other 3 games each year?

My point exactly

 

[JohnRossEwing]

My point exactly

Year one...NU does...A, B, C...Year two: D, E, F...Year 3, G, A, B

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Year one...NU does...A, B, C...Year two: D, E, F...Year 3, G, A, B

Exactly. I understand the mentality that says "why be afraid to play the best?" "Just win those games against OSU and it won't matter" ... and so on. But laudable as those sentiments are, the fact is OSU is a blue blood program that is difficult to beat even if you too are a blue blood program. Therefore, it is inherently unfair to have these "protected crossovers" between teams.

The goal... since by the way tens of millions of dollars are at stake here ... is equity. If you are setting up a league structure you strive for the most equitable way of scheduling games. Any system that has Minnesota playing OSU and/or Michigan once every six years is ********.

 

[Bremser_rivals74172]

Yes we had to beat OU to win the Big 8. The difference is that every other team in the Big 8 had to as well. And as for the Big 12... I think there was a more equitable distribution of crossover games than in the Big.

How about we just become a good enough program to beat Ohio state 50% of the time and create a rivalry all of America will look forward to watching? Then on years we don't play them people will be complaining.

50%!?

Sandbagger.

 

[Larry Hagman's Liver]

Exactly. I understand the mentality that says "why be afraid to play the best?" "Just win those games against OSU and it won't matter" ... and so on. But laudable as those sentiments are, the fact is OSU is a blue blood program that is difficult to beat even if you too are a blue blood program. Therefore, it is inherently unfair to have these "protected crossovers" between teams.

The goal... since by the way tens of millions of dollars are at stake here ... is equity. If you are setting up a league structure you strive for the most equitable way of scheduling games. Any system that has Minnesota playing OSU and/or Michigan once every six years is ********.

Agree with you on all accounts. Delany is far more concerned with generating revenue than he is with setting up B1G teams to make the CFP and ultimately win a national championship.

Unbalanced schedules (with your best teams generally playing the most difficult slate) is certainly a disadvantage. Voluntarily playing 9 league games when other conferences only play 8 (with the SEC playing a late-season "recovery" game against an FCS team) is also a disadvantage.

I love the money, don't get me wrong. But there's got to be a compromise that would continue to generate revenue while not putting NU and other high-profile B1G teams behind the 8-ball nationally and within their own conference/division.

 

[RedSea_rivals91325]

As I've said before, the only fair way to do it, if the crossovers are going to count on division standings, is to totally equalize the number of times you play each team from the other division in as short a number of seasons as logically possible. Or if it isn't going to be equalized, then only count the games against your own division on your own division standings. Anything else is unfair to some team(s) in the conference. It isn't rocket science.

 

[Hard4Corn]

I’d like to get to the point where OSU bitches about having to play Nebraska every year.

 

[Gravitron]

Year one...NU does...A, B, C...Year two: D, E, F...Year 3, G, A, B

But you’re not considering the Purdue vs Indiana protected matchup. The BIG does a 3 team rotation but 1 of the 3 lasts multiple years (because of IU v PU). So OSU was our protected crossover through 2021 in the 3 team rotation and then it will be MI for 2022 through 2025.

 

[Gravitron]

Is there actually a protected cross over or is this just opinion?

Because if I remember right, when we first entered wasn't Penn State our crossover? Then when we added teams those got thrown 8n the gutter?
I don't remember anything from the Big 10 regarding Ohio State being our crossover.

It isnt that hard to have Michigan on the schedule more often, even if they are playing wisconsin

The IU v PU crossover was protected when they split IU and PU between the west and east. Yes, the BIG announced that this would be a protected crossover. The BIG doesn’t really release information about how it schedules otherwise, but you can deduce the same from the scheduling.

 

[JohnRossEwing]

But you’re not considering the Purdue vs Indiana protected matchup. The BIG does a 3 team rotation but 1 of the 3 lasts multiple years (because of IU v PU). So OSU was our protected crossover through 2021 in the 3 team rotation and then it will be MI for 2022 through 2025.

True...but I thought that they said the schedule was computer generated...is that right or am I just high?

 

[Gravitron]

True...but I thought that they said the schedule was computer generated...is that right or am I just high?

I did a lot of research on this a couple years ago when I was pissed about the number of times we were playing OSU. I couldn’t find anything about how the schedule is developed.

 

[Solana Beach Husker]

Why Nebraska has had to play Ohio State so many times? We are slated to play them this year again, of course, but also in 2020 and 2021. That makes 8 times in 11 years?? Who decides these crossover games? How many times has Northwestern had to play OSU in that same span? Iowa? Wisky?

I really hate these mega conferences with divisions. Because there is no way that the crossover games are distributed equitably. Conferences, it seems to me, have an eye on money and thus want to push games between "big name" teams.

I wish we were in a smaller conference where you played every damn team in your conference every year. Only then do you have a true champion.

The biggest issue for me was the unbalanced schedule combined with back to back road games. College teams are historically bad in the 2nd of back to back road games and we've had to do it most seasons but also against top teams. In this way schedule can determine the outcome of a season because the chances of beating a decent team during primetime after playing on the road the week before is very slim. Anecdotally I noticed that OSU or Michigan would often get a weak set of opponents in their back to backs while we've had to go to Madison and Columbus in our back to backs. An impossible situation.

 

[Pennsyhusker_rivals246774]

Sorry, but there should be no protected crossovers. I understand Purdue is in Indiana. Tough ****. If it is so damn important to the league to preserve that game, then put them in the same division. Send Purdue to the East and send Rutgers to the West. Otherwise, just put them on a fair rotation and stfu

 

[JohnRossEwing]

Sorry, but there should be no protected crossovers. I understand Purdue is in Indiana. Tough ****. If it is so damn important to the league to preserve that game, then put them in the same division. Send Purdue to the East and send Rutgers to the West. Otherwise, just put them on a fair rotation and stfu

I agree and I get it that if it was NU that was losing an "important" game each year that a lot of Husker fans would be pissed but I would not be and I would totally understand it.

9 Conference games is stupid too, unless everyone is doing it.

I know most of us hate the SEC but they have figured out the science of scheduling. 8 conference games...early season conference game...the "built in bye" late in the season...

 

[Larry Hagman's Liver]

True...but I thought that they said the schedule was computer generated...is that right or am I just high?

Why can't you be both? Smokin